Latest Swiss News Roundup on a Wednesday:
Title: Is your data at risk when traveling through Switzerland? The proposed PNR system explained
Here's the lowdown: Swiss travelers, brace yourselves, a national database for air passengers might not be too far off. The National Council recently approved the proposal for a Passenger Name Record (PNR) system—similar to what's already in place in the EU and the US.
Why's this important? Well, if Switzerland skips out on this, it could become a soft spot in the heart of Europe, allowing terrorists and other criminals to slip through the cracks. They could easily bypass the EU's system by jumping on a flight to Switzerland and continuing their journey within the Schengen area on land.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Swiss airlines could face hefty fines if they don't hand over PNR data. Plus, this whole PNR system is one of the conditions the United States has set for Switzerland to stay in the visa waiver program. That program allows Swiss nationals to travel to the US for business or enjoyment without a visa for up to 90 days.
But enough about security, let's talk about renewable energy! Did you know that, starting January 1st, all trains in Switzerland will be powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources? Most of this clean energy will come from hydropower, while the rest will be bought from the open market. It's all part of the SBB's sustainability strategy and their aim to contribute to the Paris Climate Agreement and halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Now, let's dive into some stats. In 2023, 71,822 residents bid farewell to Switzerland. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers took the top two spots for the most common causes of death. It's a somber reminder of the importance of taking care of our bodies and our planet.
And while we're on the topic of departures, it looks like Edelweiss is planning some exciting new routes for summer 2025! Among their new destinations are Seattle in the USA and Halifax in Canada. They'll also be flying to Tbilisi in Georgia, Bristol in the UK, Terceira in the Azores, Zadar in Croatia, and Calvi in Corsica.
If you've got any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, don't hesitate to contact us at news@our website. Happy travels!
[A brief look behind the scenes]
In reality, Switzerland is not part of the European Union (EU), but it cooperates closely with the EU in many areas, including security. The EU PNR Directive of 2016 requires member states to collect, process, and share PNR data from international flights for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of terrorist offenses and serious transnational crimes. Switzerland is not bound by the EU PNR Directive, but it does align its policies with EU standards to avoid security vulnerabilities and maintain its role as a reliable partner in European security networks. Delays or non-compliance could result in security vulnerabilities and make Switzerland a "weak link" in European security cooperation, especially regarding air passenger data sharing within the Schengen area.
Other key points include the recent EU-Canada agreement, which sets out the conditions for the transfer of PNR data from the EU to Canada for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of terrorist offenses or serious transnational crimes, and the risks that Switzerland faces in terms of security, international cooperation, and perception as a weak link if it does not adopt a PNR system compatible with the EU. The current status and outlook for the adoption of the EU PNR system in Switzerland are uncertain, but negotiations and partial implementations are ongoing.
- The proposal for a Passenger Name Record (PNR) system in Switzerland, similar to those in the EU and US, could have implications for the environmental science sector if it leads to more efficient tracking of carbon emissions from air travel.
- A shift in focus from politics and general news to lifestyle and travel is evident in the exciting new flight routes announced by Edelweiss Airlines for summer 2025, including destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe.
- In the realm of general news, Switzerland's potential adoption of a PNR system could have significant consequences for its relationship with the EU and the global environmental science community, particularly in terms of security, data privacy, and climate change mitigation strategies.
